We Remember
YAEGER, Grace Louise
—
Our dear Mom, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Grace L. Yaeger passed away peacefully at Chase B.C. on July 30th, 2015 at the age of 91.
Grace is survived by daughters Lorraine Yaeger of Vernon, BC and Bonnie (David) Hunter of Chase, BC, granddaughters Jennifer (Angus) Beaton, Lana Hunter, great granddaughter Claire Mahri Beaton; sister-in-law Grace Meredith and nephew Doug Meredith. Sadly predeceased by her loving husband Norman (2013), infant daughter Betty Marie (1952) and nephew Brian Meredith (2014).
Mom was a lively, determined, authentic red-head as well as the only child of Jim and Marie Chalmers. This combination of attributes chartered a life from Waterhole, Alberta (a real place…it’s on her birth certificate) to BC’s sunny Thompson Okanagan.
The early years (north of 56 degrees latitude) were spent enjoying school, sports, country picnics and horses. Much to her father’s disapproval, Gracie loved to jump ol’ Blue, the family mare, over farmyard fences. Simply effortless she was!
Music and dancing was another passion of Mom’s. Ironically, she met Norman Yaeger, the love of her life, at a local dance in 1943.He was on leave from the RCAF. They married May 31, 1944 and continued their love of dance until Dad’s death in 2013 (New Year’s 2013 was their last dance celebration).
Two daughters, Lorraine (1948) and Bonnie (1952) arrived on the scene much to Mom’s delight (She hated being an only child).
Mom was also the best bill collector for Dad’s corner store in Hines Creek. Nobody messed with the feisty red-head!
Many good years were spent up north but a move to Kelowna BC in 1963 became a reality. Family, friends, sports and travel became the highlight of Mom’s retirement years. Curling in the winter. Golf in the summer, until the “cold winters” sent them south to California for over 30 years. Many miles were put on that “little Chief” motorhome.
Mom was recognized for TWO holes-in-one by Golf digest (coming 20 years apart). A feat Dad never achieved…with a witness that is!!!!She gave Dad one!
We are going to miss your “Irish” humour and unmistakable kindness. Forever Dad’s sweetheart. He’s waiting for you now. I’m keeping the crib board ’til we meet again. Love you Mom. Rest in Peace. Here’s to Willy Nelson’s “On the Road Again”….your Bonnie Loree
A graveside service was held Tuesday, August 4 at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations in honour of her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Very Sorry for your family’s loss. My contact with them was at the Kelowna Springs Golf course, where they were both always smiling.
Hi Lorraine.
What a coincidence as I am Executor for a neighbor who passed away last week and was looking up his Obituary.
I wish to extend my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Your Mother and Father lived very full lives and reaching into the 90’s is amazing.
Both of my parents have been gone for some time but still miss them dearly.
I trust you are well and wish you all the best.
Warmest regards:
Tom.
Awww Grace was one of the sweetest people we knew when we lived a few doors down from them at GlenMeadows. We loved both Norm and Grace who were always welcoming and willing to chat with us. Grace was one of the first ladies I went golfing with and made me so comfortable on the course. She was so good at golf and I was just a beginner and very anxious but she made it fun. Lorraine we are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom and Dad had such a great life and the love they shared was so evident and rare. They are together again now holding hands as they walk together in Paradise. God Bless you and other family members that we have not met….RIP sweet lady
Lorraine , Bonnie and David and family ,
We are so sorry for your loss. We all loved Grace so much and always enjoyed our visits with your Mom and Dad. She and Alice and grandma Marie were a Fun trio when together. Gary and Jan remember the fun times golfing with Grace and Norm
-especially when Norm had to fish for golf balls while the other 3 of us waited patiently ! Lots of laughs with all the Grace
comments ! Our families always enjoyed being in their company . They were such a loving couple and made you feel so welcome.
Alice was so lucky to have such a great cousin and the love they showed each other was wonderful.
Thinking of all of you and sending our sincere condolences and love . xxxx
Lorraine , Bonnie , David and family,
We are sorry to hear of Grace’s passing and our deepest sympathy to all of you .
She was one PRECIOUS lady – always loads of fun and laughs. Alice , Grace and Aunt Marie were quite the trio. Grace and Norm were the Fun pair – never a quiet dull moment when we all got together for a family meal. Gary and Jan went golfing with them and spent most of the time laughing as Norm borrowed Gary’s long golf pole and went to retrieve balls from the pond. Grace kept us entertained with her funny comments until he returned. She could have been a comedian and got paid for it as she had the best sense of humor and wit. Gary and Jan’s children loved to go for a visit with them from little guys to grown-ups and loved the stories and Fun. Alice will truly miss her fabulous cousin – they had a special bond and truly loved each other . We are thinking of all of you and sending our love . All the Westbury’s xxxx